Chapter 34: Glimmer of Hope

A lifetime of insecurities came rushing back to Leonor. Her belittling father was never more than a thought away as a simple gasp made her aching ribs ache even worse. However, there was no other appropriate response when the Crown Prince of the Castillian Kingdom said he would sponsor her way into the Magic Academy. 

As far as she could glean from their interactions, he didn't care about her. She hadn't gone out of her way to be kind to him since she was terrified of the power he held. To say he would sponsor her was confusing. 

Regardless, her heart started to fill with warm hope. The invisible chains her father placed around her felt lighter.

She had been feeling fuzzy all day but Prince Stephano's words gave her momentary clarity and the world felt vivid. She was met with his hazel eyes, realizing they seemed particularly golden while he observed her reaction.